Hughes - If Rocks Stays, He Wins

Richard Hughes believes he can land his first English Classic when he teams up with Red Rocks in the Ladbrokes St Leger at York tomorrow.

Support for the Brian Meehan-trained colt has gathered momentum over the past few days and is a stronger than ever second-favourite at 4-1 with the sponsors behind long-time market-leader Sixties Icon, who is now odds-on against with most bookmakers.

The son of Galileo was last seen when pipped by the Hughes-ridden Youmzain in the Great Voltigeur Stakes on the Knavesmire last month after looking all over the winner entering the final furlong.

'If he stays he wins, it's as simple as that,' Hughes told At The Races.

'Frankie (Dettori) wasn't pleased when I beat him on Youmzain last time. He felt he had gone just a little bit too soon but I was always waiting behind him.'

Red Rocks finished one place and two and a half lengths ahead of Sixties Icon when runner-up to Papal Bull in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot ? and bookmakers feel that interest will continue to gather momentum.

'Although Sixties Icon is sure to stat favourite on Saturday, his backers must be concerned by the form of the (Jeremy) Noseda yard,' said Coral's David Stevens.

'Red Rocks has been the best-backed horse in recent days and it would be no surprise to see his price shorten again.'

With no defectors from the five-day stage, a total of 12 runners will go to post for the historic contest.

Aidan O'Brien provided the only minor surprise by declaring Great Voltigeur third Puerto Rico after indicating earlier in the week that the colt was 'a doubtful starter'.

The Ballydoyle maestro will also be represented by Tusculum, Mountain and the twice-raced Fire And Rain, while Derby-winning trainer Marcus Tregoning will rely on the improving Jadalee.

Sir Michael Stoute is represented by Ask and Michael Jarvis call on Galient.

The field is completed by Mick Channon's Championship Point, William Haggas' Mont Etoile and the Barry Hills-trained The Last Drop.

? PA Sport